Sheffield man fined for importing dogs illegally

Alex Moore

A Sheffield man has been ordered to pay more than £3,400 for selling puppies imported from abroad illegally.

Istvan Kiss, 46, of Burngreave Road, was convicted at Sheffield Magistrates’ Court on Thursday after admitting bringing dogs into the country without the correct health certificate, and without notifying the appropriate Government department.

Suspicions were raised when Sheffield Council’s environmental protection service got a complaint about the condition of a dog seen at the premises by someone who had seen puppies advertised.

Council and RSPCA officers found two English bulldog puppies and four pugs.

Kiss had previously been told about the need to ensure puppies were only brought into the country with the correct documentation.

He was fined £3,000 with costs of £350 and a victim surcharge of £120.

Cabinet member for environment Bryan Lodge said: “Individuals importing pets in this way are trying to avoid the strict import controls that have helped keep Britain’s pets and wildlife protected from the most serious of diseases for many years.

“We are pleased that the magistrates have supported our action, as the damage that such an outbreak might cause is immeasurable. We need to encourage importers to observe the correct controls to keep our country disease free.”